Virtual Garden Tour: A Spring Garden

It's about now when I get itchy for spring. Scrolling through the many photos still on my iphone from last year, I found this lovely reminder of what we wait for all winter: Spring! I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful woodland garden of local plantsman, Tom Horner. Deb Polansky, our greenhouse manager, was with me, and no joke - every where we looked, beyond every path's turn, was a a breathtaking vista full of unusual plants, and rhododendrons, azaleas, and magnolias blooming their hearts out.  What a delight to the eyes! Thought I'd share what I captured with you, as we all need a reminder of winter's sweet reward.  So pour yourself a cup of coffee, get cozy, and enjoy this virtual garden tour captured in about 50 photos. 

When you are greeted with this at the entrance of Tom's property, you know you are entering a special place. 

I must have had a funky setting on when I snapped several of these photos. The result is a hazy filter,  but I'll share them despite the not-so-perfect exposure  - it adds a bit of dreaminess to the whole tour. 

Tom has quite the collection of trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs that are hard to find. I regret not taking notes on what many of these treasures are. If your curiosity is getting the best of you, let me know and I'll find a name for you. 

The area surrounding the deck houses an alpine collection of ferns, primrose, ginger and other fun perennials. 

Beautiful, it's it? Like a little bit of paradise here in southwestern Wisconsin.
Hope you enjoyed the tour. Next week we'll visit a rose garden, so stay tuned! 

Think spring,
Tracy Hankwitz
BGC Store Manager & Horiculturist